The pain of losing out on promotion due to the last kick of the last game on the last day has faded only a little from the memory of Morton striker Peter MacDonald and the IRN-BRU SFL Player of the Month for February is using it as a spur to ensure he does not suffer the same way again.
MacDonald’s 5 goals in 3 games last month helped the Cappielow side remain in top spot and whilst the Greenock fans talk of winning the First Division the agony of losing the title as a St Johnstone player in 2007 is still felt by the 32 year old.
The Perth side thought they had clinched promotion after a 4-3 success at Hamilton Accies and the celebrations were about to start until James Grady netted to give Gretna the win they needed at Ross County to secure what was an ill-fated season for them in the SPL.
MacDonald said: “People talk about Morton having six players that have won the title and a few of them winning the title with different clubs but Kevin Rutkiewicz, Martin Hardie and I know what it feels like to lose one.”
“That day was the worst day I have had in football and I hope that I never experience anything like that again. We had done our job at New Douglas Park and then they scored with the last kick of the season.”
Morton are involved in a tight race with Partick Thistle at the moment and MacDonald said: “If it comes down to it again I would have to deal with it but I would much rather things were wrapped up by then. It was horrible and afterwards I went on holiday and basically just drowned my sorrows for 3 weeks.”
“People still talk about it and ask ‘do you remember the time Gretna won the league with the last kick of the ball’ and I have to say that I do as I was on the receiving end of it.”
If lightning does truck twice MacDonald will have to accept it as he said: “We are confident in our ability to do something this season. Thistle are a good side but however gets the most points between us will deserve to win the league.”
“It is a consistency thing and whilst people talk about not playing good football or being lucky you cannot play football or be lucky all season.”
